Pastafarianism meets the First Amendment in Crossville, Tennessee, with this image of the Flying Spaghetti Monster outside the Cumberland County Courthouse.

The creator: local artist Ariel Safdie, who placed it there on Good Friday where it was joined a carved statue of Jesus carrying a cross:

On her Web site, www.itlovesyou.blogspot.com, a blog explaining the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville artist Ariel Safdie states, "We are lucky enough to live in a country that allows us, its citizens, the freedom of speech. I have chosen to put up a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to represent the discourse between people of all different beliefs. The many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds of Cumberland County’s residents make our community a stronger richer place. I respect and am proud that on the people’s lawn, the county courthouse, all of these diverse beliefs can come together in a positive dialogue. Here, we are all able to share the issues close to our hearts whether it is through a memorial to the soldiers killed fighting for our country, the Statue of Liberty honoring our nations welcoming promise to all, a group’s fight to stop homelessness, or powerful symbols of faith. I greatly treasure this open forum between everyone in the community."

This homage to the FSM has understandably been a topic of some discussion in this Southern Christian town. In this article, a Crossville reporter cites the display as evidence that the secular state discriminates against Christians.

The absolute must-read, though, is Ariel's blog, which has ample photos, an explanation of her mission, pilgrimage reports and a vision from on high:

It came to me in a sign....build a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and put it on the courthouse lawn in Crossville Tennessee so that others can share in its beautiful image and learn about Its story.....